Up_North

I'm in the market for a current shape WRX STi (previously had a STi7).

I was all set to order new/nearly new one from Litchfield/DHCars/Langtree etc. But doing some research on old posts on SN and SIDC has made me think again. Main reason is a number of posts suggesting that perhaps the power actually isn't up to the 310/320bhp range. There was another post about JDM build quality bein a bit iffy (though I find this difficult to believe). Although I'm not that bothered about a cast iron warranty this is still the least safe route.

So then I thought about getting new/nearly UK spec STi. I want something a bit more than PPP so was thinking of whisking it straight to TSL for their 333 package and also geting suspension mods. Like I said - not too concerned about partially invalidating IM warranty.

Really struggling to make a decision - any help welcome!!!

Cheers

Ian

Phil

Plenty of 2nd Hand Sti's about Tim Taylor has one for sale

wakeboardar

there have been a few threads suggesting 333 does not hit the mark would be slightly better than ppp as it is bespoke but i think tsl mainly aim for the import models who cannot get ppp,if you get a newer uk car i would say it would be crazy to loose a warranty for the 10 or 15 bhp also you get about a grand off dealers when you part x this is true as i have done it.

sounds like a spec c would be the one for you

Phil

TSL's package was fully tested by EVO

wakeboardar

i dont think they tested it for actual bhp, may be wrong.

streetbeats

TYPE 25 - you know it makes sense !!

Phil

MichaelH

I've got an STi Type UK Prodrive and am more than happy with the performance. I had a look at a few different models and test drove the WRX, STI and the STI Prodrive I now have. There does seem a nice jump in performace from the STI to STI Prodrive throughout the gears, which was enough to convince me it was the one for me! Have considered looking into some mods to increase the Subaru claimed 305BHP but after the pain of having to fork out nearly a grand on my last car (99T ST24) after owning it just 8 months (came with 3 month warranmty) I am happy to leave it standard and keep the warranty intact!

wakeboardar

i have a 04 sti ppp and its a flyer but i got a fair trade in for my old car, if i had the cash i would be temped by a spec c or 25.

wakeboardar

phil I take it you have the 333 package then?

Phil

Nope.

Just wanted to correct your statement

The threads you refer to didn't have a full Triple P package

wakeboardar

"sti`s are for boys evo`s are for men" writers eh do ya trust em.

beats me how anyboby can tell a few bph from the same model.

Up_North

Thanx for replies so far people.

Type 25 - just a bit out of my price range.

Spec C - just got some new fillings - don't wanna lose them!!!

Ian

greasemonkey

Correct me if I'm not party to the latest news on this Phil, but do you have some sort of independent confirmation this product "does what it says on the tin", as it were?

Ian: Have to echo the sentiment expressed by Waky. Seems to be little point buying an STi Type UK if you're going to immediately drop it in at a third party tuning house, invalidating the engine warranty in the process.

You may as well get an '03/04 JDM STi if that's what you've got in mind, or, alternatively, if you want to buy a UK car, just stick with the STi PPP and the peace of mind of a warranty?

Phil

Dyno's available at TSL

Nathan L

Bob Rawle tested his on the rollers as standard and it made 287bhp. The 310 claim is not true. It may feel like 300+ but it's not. The low ratios of the JDM car add to it feeling more powerful.

It's very easy to get the car north of 320 though even without an exhaust change.

Rubbish. Have not seen a new JDM STi with iffy build quality and I looked at a lot before I bought mine. Some weren't in good nick but that was the way their owners had treated them.

I refer you back to my post on your last thread.

If you want a fully warranted every day, all day performance car buy a UK STi. If you want something a little different with more toys and better spec engine buy the JDM. IMHO.

Nathan..

Jools

See here
http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=324393

r

get a jdm gl and get some nice defi's mate!.........oh and a nice piece of insulation tape! and a few other trick bits

scoobypet

Having driven an STi UK, STi UK PPP, STI UK PPP + 333 package, TSL333, then my personal marks for effectiveness would be:
STi UK 6/10
STi UK PPP 7.5/10
STi UK PPP with 333 9/10
TSL333 9/10

333 Makes the UK what it should've been IMHO.

Of course you would only go down that route if you were stupid (re warranty), stupidly rich or realised just a tad too late that you should've bought a JDM or Spec C in the first place .

r

333 Makes the UK what it should've been IMHO.

or a my03 jdm sti......... with of course a 'tech3'!!!

Up_North

Natha,

Your positive comments on my other thread was tipping me in favour of the JDM. Just thought I'd do a bit more research today and dug up those comments.

How would you suggest safely getting toward 320ish?

Jools - fabulous car but i really want a MY2003/4.

Ian

greasemonkey

Given what you're looking for from the car, a JDM car would seem to meet your needs best. Certainly don't know where you got the idea that build/finish quality on the Jap market cars was lacking in some way. Who said that, pslewis?

The JDM cars come down the same production lines as the cars intended for other markets, so it follows that build quality will be no better or worse than any other Impreza of similar year.

You won't need to do very much to an MY03/04 JDM STi to get it up round that sort of number. It'd be well worth you taking a peak at Bob Rawle's thread in Projects on his MY03 - will give you a very good idea of what's necessary.

AndyBrew

Hi

With my experience for what its worth get yourself an 03 STi and then get the TSL 333 package.

But never, never put a post on this bulletin board suggesting your not bothered about the warranty LOL

I bought my STi with PPP last year and although I enjoyed the car you soon want more and after coming from an Escort Cossie never thought the Scoob was a 300hp car, which lets be honest it isn't

So I solved my problem by having a firestorm exhaust system fitted and now it sounds like its going faster, awsome! I plan to have the car remapped at TSL shortly and really do wish I took this route from the start

Remember the cars for enjoying, so do what makes you smile!

Andy

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

There is nothing wrong with the Spec C's suspension setup, it actually absorbs those bumps very well and doesnt jar you to death but its not the car for everyone, its very basic and has no sound proofing, the next best is the GL which has everything including the soundproofing
If your not bothered about a warranty then JDM is the way to go, with just the STi panel filter (available here>> www.scoobymania.co.uk) i had some very good gains (over 10bhp and around 15lbs of torque )

Tony

PS, i should point out that the JDM cars dont usually come with underseal so you will have to get this sorted.

Nathan L

GM is right when he says you won't need to do very much.

The standard exhaust is actually very good but very quiet.

As standard Bob's car made 287 bhp and 276 ft lbs torque.

Then the car was remapped with only the addition of the three port solenoid and dump valve. So the exhaust still had the cats in place and the airbox still had it's standard panel filter.

Result 327 bhp and 323 ft lbs torque.

As Tony says if you want a stripped out road going racer consider the Spec C. If you are old and past it like me then go for the GL with ALL the toys and of course sound proofing eh Tony

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Yup
Now i didnt call you an old fart though but it looks like you like your comforts too much Nathan
The plus side about getting a GL is that you CAN have a louder exhaust on but its not really viable in the Spec C as its quite loud already (even though its still quite a quiet exhaust system).

Tony

Nathan L

Get a full exhaust Tony you know it makes sense

I may like my comforts but I also like my BRD Tek 3 map and HKS / BRD exhaust.

Still not enough power though

Nathan..

Up_North

Greasemonkey,

Totally agree about build quality - thats why I said on my original post that I though that claim sounded a bit iffy. It was from a user "Rasher" over on SIDC.

You guys are seriously swaying me towards the JDM GL.

Langtree at Standish getting a couple in WR Blue over next couple of weeks - 1000 miles for somewhere between £24-£25k with 1 year warranty. DH Cars got a brand new one in for £28k (silver) with 3 year warranty but I also read somewhere that DH doesn't do any conversion for UK fuel.

Decisions decisions....

Ian

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

My JDM car still runs very well on optimax and octane booster without problems
As for that GL at 28k when you look at it, you find how much they are making on one of those, considering that in Japan the Spec C is more expensive than its GL brother they make much more profit off the GL's, but i think that for the extra 4k it isnt worth it over 1000 miles

Tony

Nathan L

DH Cars is over priced IMHO. But as stated before they do offer dealer type services and backup.

Nathan..